S Korean Navy receives first Phalanx weapon system

TUCSON (BNS): Raytheon has delivered the first Phalanx weapon system to the South Korean Navy for deployment on its new Ulsan-1 class frigate.

The Phalanx Block 1B weapon system will be fitted on the lead ship of the 2,300-ton frigate class this year, Raytheon said. 

It represents Phalanx's introduction into the Republic of South Korean Navy's fleet, the defence firm said, adding that it expects to sign a contract with South Korea for an additional five Phalanx systems in near future.

The Phalanx has been designed to counter all types of air and surface threats in naval environment. 

It consists of a rapid-fire, computer-controlled radar and 20 mm gun system that automatically acquires, tracks and destroys enemy threats that have penetrated all other ship defence systems.

The new Ulsan-1 class of frigates, being developed under the FFX ship programme, is set to replace the current Ulsan and other smaller frigates of the South Korean Navy. The new frigates are being designed for anti-ship, anti-submarine and anti-aircraft warfare missions.